Jim Fairlie
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“The Scottish Government recognises the challenges that certain plant and animal species pose to agricultural businesses and is supporting farmers to manage those impacts.”
“Will the Government also commit to implementing a more pragmatic licence application scheme for the removal of species where the impact on business and other conservation species or habitats is clear? Jim Fairlie: As Amanda Lindsay points out, there is a management scheme.”
“The Scottish Government remains committed to that work. Indeed, in September, in the Scottish Parliament, I hosted and chaired a constructive round-table discussion on alternative farrowing systems with representatives from the Scottish pig industry, animal welfare organisations and academia.”
“Therefore, we will be working closely with the UK Government and other devolved Administrations on the delivery of the programme. This is a draft Official Report and is subject to correction between publication and archiving, which will take place no later than 35 working days after the date of the meeting.”
“I welcome Joe Fagan to the chamber. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting agriculture, food production and our food and drink sectors in a fair manner. In March, we published our first rural support plan, outlining support for the next five years and providing the clarity, certainty and opportunity to plan.”
“At column 3, paragraph 3— Original text— I point out to the member that we are doing this in concert with the UK Government. There is a joint consultation ongoing as we speak, and I have confirmed with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministers our agreement to do that joint consultation.”
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“Those measures, which were approved by the Scottish Government, all diminish passenger service, passenger safety and passenger accessibility, and they all make the jobs of railway workers more difficult. Will the Government think again, take the bold action that is required and reverse those decisions? Jim Fairlie: Although opening hours at ScotRail’s ticket offices have remained unchanged over the past three decades, ticket office sales have reduced from 78 to 14 per cent during that period. Scottish Rail Holdings and ScotRail have rightly reviewed the situation to ensure that they are delivering services that meet customer expectations. The adjustments to the ticket office opening hours that have been implemented will enable ScotRail staff to be redeployed to focus more directly on supporting passengers.”
“This week, ScotRail has commenced its operation of ticket offices in accordance with the revised opening hours, which reflect the changing preferences of its customers. I am pleased to confirm that no jobs or working hours have been lost. ScotRail has assessed the requirement for staff to allow it to adhere to the revised opening times, and it currently carries out recruitment for ticket office staff where necessary. Richard Leonard: Under this Government’s stewardship, peak fares have returned to Scotland’s railways. This week, all fares increased by 3.8 per cent and, on Monday, 2,800 hours were cut from staffing at ticket offices across Scotland.”
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“In Argyll and Bute, the rural and islands housing fund has invested just under £5 million to deliver 31 affordable homes on Mull, Colonsay, Ulva and Gigha, in addition to projects delivered through the affordable housing supply programme. It is vital that we continue to act across Government and work across the chamber to ensure that our islands remain economically vibrant. We need to apply an islands lens to our work and be guided by islanders in understanding how best we can support their ambitions. I conclude by reiterating the Scottish Government’s absolute commitment to support, champion and invest in our islands, and a commitment to the folk who live there. The Deputy Presiding Officer: That concludes the debate. Meeting closed at 19:15. This is the final edition of the Official Report for this meeting.”
“Rhoda Grant talked about fuel poverty, and I agree that it is not acceptable that island communities will host the infrastructure that will create the energy but will then pay some of the highest energy prices in the country. I apologise for not mentioning other members’ contributions, but I am rapidly running out of time. Yesterday saw the introduction of free ferry travel for under-22s in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. We also continue to invest in housing. Over the past three years, we have invested £15 million in housing in the Western Isles, delivering more than 180 affordable homes, and £10 million in Orkney, delivering more than 130 homes.”
“Running an island business, regardless of size and sector, is not without its challenges. Kenneth Gibson and Stuart McMillan both talked about the issues around Ardrossan. I absolutely accept that there are on-going issues, and the cabinet secretary is dealing with them. I also agree with Kenneth Gibson about Auchrannie—my visit there during the summer was absolutely fantastic. I hope that the decision that Douglas Ross got pulled up for in the Western Isles was the right decision. He also talked about folk leaving the islands, which has been happening for generations. I go back to Skipinnish, who talk about people having left the islands and then being called back home again. I would very much aspire to that as well.”
“We will continue to work with local government partners to deliver the cost crisis emergency fund in support of the most vulnerable island households. We are investing £50 million in the islands growth deal and £25 million in the recently signed Argyll and Bute rural growth deal. Alongside the UK Government and regional partners, we are supporting economic growth among island communities. In celebrating the successes of our islands economy, we recognise the enduring importance of our land-based and marine industries. Agriculture accounts for a higher share of businesses, turnover and employment on islands than it does in Scotland as a whole. We are committed to supporting the island crofters and farmers through a range of schemes, including the crofting agricultural grant scheme and croft house grant.”
“Tourism is a critical sector for our island communities, but it remains vulnerable to seasonal variations, travel disruption and unpredictable weather. That is why the non-domestic rates relief of up to 100 per cent for hospitality businesses on islands will continue in 2025, which will result in roughly 100,000 properties being taken out of rates altogether. Through the rural tourism infrastructure fund, we have invested more than £4 million in island projects since 2018. The 2025-26 budget maintains £4 million of extra funding for island local authorities in lieu of the review of the special islands needs allowance. It also includes £20 million to support Orkney and Shetland interisland connectivity. Another £5.3 million of capital has been allocated to the islands programme, helping the development of critical island infrastructure.”
“During his visit to Orkney last February, the First Minister announced a £5 million grant for new harbour facilities at Scapa Flow. We have also invested £33.7 million in the Stornoway deepwater terminal project, which can unlock a substantial pipeline of green energy investments. Those developments must produce tangible benefits to the communities that are hosting them. Our carbon neutral islands project gives communities a leading role in reducing emissions in a way that is suitable for their circumstances and that creates economic opportunities. We have already invested £5.2 million in the project, and I am pleased that the 2025-26 budget allocates another £2.5 million to its continuation.”
“In our 2023 islands survey, I was particularly heartened to see a sharp increase in the number of respondents who stated that their business is expanding, which is very encouraging. I also acknowledge the results of the public consultation that we carried out to review the plan. Respondents told us that it is time for a new and strengthened plan to be put in place—one that places even greater emphasis on delivery and that focuses on measures to accelerate positive change, not least in relation to economic growth. That is what we are working on now, in close partnership with communities and local authorities. The new plan will reflect the incredibly important role that islands play in Scotland’s transition to a green economy.”
“The Scottish Government is committed to doing all that we can to ensure that island enterprises can continue to grow and flourish. The Government is immensely proud of its islands legislation, which was an unprecedented step forward in acknowledging that our islands merit a bespoke legislative framework. Through the introduction of island communities impact assessments, the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires public authorities to consider the specific circumstances of island communities while carrying out their functions. In 2019, we published Scotland’s first-ever national islands plan. Many of the commitments included in the plan concern island economic development.”
“Indeed, island economies are built on the mix of innovation and tradition that spawns from all those things—from fishing and crofting to distilling and the arts and, now, opportunities for renewables and space technologies, as has been mentioned by a number of contributors, including Jamie Halcro Johnston at the start of the debate. Many of our island entrepreneurs will attend the showcase event this evening, including those who deal with food and drink, which is a particular passion of mine. As members have underlined, there is much to celebrate about the economic strengths of our island communities. Still, as members have also heard, it is critical that we to continue to address the challenges that they face.”
“That band and others, such as the raucous and hugely entertaining Peat and Diesel, as well as the haunting voice of Julie Fowlis absolutely capture that real sense of belonging—of being at one with the land or the sea, and a sense of community and family. Those things have been apparent and tangible in all my engagements with islanders over the years, whether they were involved in tourism, hospitality, crofting, farming, fishing or the arts and culture. The island sense of community is enviable. However, there is also an entrepreneurialism that sits comfortably with that island community spirit.”
“I genuinely congratulate Jamie Halcro Johnston on enabling the debate, as well as the other members who have taken the time to participate. Scotland’s islands contribute enormously to our society, economy and global reputation. I have made several visits to island communities since my appointment—most recently, to Lewis, Harris and Skye to talk to crofters and, over the summer of last year, to Islay, Mull and Arran. As a result, I have found an even greater fondness for the band Skipinnish, whose lyrics and musical prowess capture the spirit of the islands, which I had not previously appreciated.”
“The issue of clarifying the definition of “sustainable and regenerative agriculture” has come up during scrutiny of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. What is the Government doing to ensure that there is a clear and consistent definition and that the aims that underpin the Government’s vision, strategy and legislation are clearly understood? Jim Fairlie: I understand Monica Lennon’s point about the definition. The Scottish Government is working on a code of practice, which is being co- developed with the industry to give us a better understanding of what it should look like. We will bring forward those measures in due course. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Three members have requested to ask a supplementary question, and I intend to take them all.”
“We are progressing the priorities that are set out in our vision for Scottish agriculture, which are high-quality food production, thriving businesses, climate action, nature restoration and a just transition. We have maintained direct payments and launched the whole farm plan, and we introduced the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024. Through the agricultural reform programme, we are working collaboratively to deliver a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. We continue to prioritise the agri-environment climate scheme, with the 2024 round of awards increasing funding on the previous year by £3.9 million. The recently announced £14 million future farming investment scheme will encourage climate-friendly farming and support efficiency and environmental sustainability. Monica Lennon: I welcome the minister’s update.”
“However, the funding programme has been suddenly cut, which puts planting targets in jeopardy. Will the minister agree to reconsider the cut so that the programme gets back on track? Jim Fairlie: I am more than happy to follow up with Graham Simpson in writing about the specific programme that he is talking about. Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture 7.”
“The Scottish Government invests in forest research and science, and it jointly funds research with the United Kingdom Government and other UK devolved Administrations to further our knowledge and understanding of areas such as tree pests and diseases, tree breeding and forest resilience. We are supporting plans for a clonal archive of resistant ash trees, which will be located in Scotland’s public forest estate. That is part of on- going work to support the breeding of disease- resistant ash trees. Graham Simpson: The minister knows that breeding resistant ash is crucial to combating ash dieback disease. The Future Trees Trust has been leading the way on the issue in Scotland, and it has worked with the Woodland Trust to increase the volume of Scottish provenance ash in its breeding programme.”
“The specific issue that Tess White is talking about is a local planning issue, and it should be for the local planning authority to decide what happens in that area. Disease-resistant Ash Trees 6.”
“Tess White: The industrialisation of the north- east, which Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks is pursuing through its monster pylon plans, is causing alarm and trauma. I recently met Angus farmers, who, along with other stakeholders, raised serious concerns with me about the overhead lines’ impact on prime agricultural land. The use of farming machinery, such as autonomous tractors, also has worrying implications. Has the Scottish Government considered the loss of agricultural productivity that will result from SSEN’s plans, and will it commit to protecting our food security and farmers in the north-east? Jim Fairlie: The Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting not only the farmers of the north-east but farmers across the country is absolute. We have been crystal clear about that from day 1.”
“The Scottish Government has not made such an assessment at a national or regional level. The Scottish Government holds multiple data sets that relate to land use, but they alone could not support an assessment of the potential loss of agricultural land. Scotland’s fourth land use strategy is due to be published by March 2026 and, throughout its development, we will work with stakeholders regarding the multiple demands that are placed on our land and the fine balances that must be found as we move forward. The national planning framework 4 soils policy supports new development proposals on prime agricultural land or locally important agricultural land of lesser quality in limited circumstances only.”
“I take his point about who own Lothian Buses. The conversation has to be between Lothian Buses and the local authorities, because they are the people who will ultimately make the decision.”
“However, a request for a second and urgent meeting involving all local MSPs this week has been turned down by bus bosses, who high-handedly say that they cannot meet until May at the earliest, which will be weeks after service cuts come into force. Will the minister join me in reminding Lothian Buses, which is ultimately owned by local councils, of the need to fully engage with elected members? Will the minister also consider changing the regulations so that bus companies have to consult local communities, such as that in Macmerry, before they strip them of their bus services? Jim Fairlie: I fully understand the member’s frustration. It is really disheartening when services are cut. However, I remind him that this is a deregulated service and it is up to the bus companies to make the decisions.”
“Lothian Buses joined other bus operators, as well as the Confederation of Passenger Transport, for a meeting that I held in Parliament on 5 February. Officials from Transport Scotland also meet bus operators, including Lothian Buses, regularly. Craig Hoy: Lothian Buses has withdrawn key services from communities including Stenton, Macmerry, Tranent, Prestonpans and Penicuik. Macmerry is losing all but peak services into Edinburgh, which is, frankly, a disgrace. Following the announcement, and before some of the adverse effects on commuters were fully reported to us by our constituents, local MSPs met Lothian Buses separately.”
“Jim Fairlie: I find it ludicrous that the member is saying that we have squandered £20 million when we have been making payments on time and in full every year, well before we were required to do so. [Interruption.] The Presiding Officer: Let us hear the minister. Jim Fairlie: The Government has done nothing other than support the agriculture sector time after time. Every time that there has been an issue, we have found solutions to it, so I find the member’s questions absolutely ludicrous. The Presiding Officer: We have interest in the question, and I would be grateful if we made sure that questions and responses were concise.”
“Tim Eagle: The Government might have made some payments, but it is costing a lot of money to do that. I do not think that the minister really gets it. Every year over the past eight years, the Scottish National Party has squandered more than £25 million on IT consultancy fees. That money could have been used instead to double the sustainable farming capital fund. There is a lack of coherent agricultural policy, there is harmful new rural legislation and there has been a real-terms cut to the rural budget. In the light of the serious concerns that have been raised not by me but by agricultural leaders at the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, will the minister spell out what immediate action he is taking to ensure that our essential farmers and crofters will be supported in the future?”
“Jim Fairlie: No, I simply do not agree with Jim Walker’s assessment. First of all, he is not an IT specialist and does not know what is going on behind the scenes. [Interruption.] I point out to Conservative members, as they barrack me, that, as I have said, 99.92 per cent of payments have been made on time. We have brought forward the payment period, so payments have regularly been made far before the deadline dates. It is normal to spend roughly 20 per cent of the IT set-up spend that was initially spent in the first place. I know that some members will use a committee session as an opportunity to beat the Government, but the reality is that the system works and is making the payments. The most important thing to our farming community is that the payments get into people’s bank accounts on time and in full.”
“Tim Eagle: I remind members that the £203 million is on top of the nearly £180 million that it cost the Government to build the system in the first place. At the current rate of spend, by 2030, the Government will have spent £500 million on an IT system and consultants. Over the past two weeks, the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has heard from industry leaders who have expressed serious concerns about the future direction of agricultural policy. Jim Walker summed it up by saying: “the way of delivering the support payments to agriculture is just not fit for purpose ... The computer system is knackered and has been for years”.—[Official Report, Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, 12 March 2025; c 5.] Does the minister agree with Jim Walker that this costly system is not fit for purpose?”
“The figure that the member has mentioned relates to spend that spans more than a decade. Most of the existing information technology systems that support agricultural stakeholders were developed for the common agricultural policy in 2015. The money has been used predominantly for the submission and processing of rural applications. The system availability for the scheme in 2024 was 99.92 per cent, and £475 million has been paid out so far, with the final total expected to be £555 million. Payment performance has steadily improved, with payments now being made sooner. Over the period, we have paid out about £5 billion in agricultural support payments. We are not designing our future capabilities based on current IT, but we must provide the industry with stability and certainty as we develop new services.”
“It is actively pursuing a number of commercial opportunities and its business strategy does not rely solely on one contract. The cabinet secretary mentioned the productive round-table meeting that she chaired today, and said that everyone involved is facing in the same direction, which is very good news. For my part, I have met the ferries community board and co- chaired a meeting with CalMac and NFU Scotland’s Argyll and Bute representatives, and lots of niggles were ironed out in those meetings. The point that I am making is that the cabinet secretary and I are absolutely determined to ensure that we have the kind of community engagement that is needed. The Government is making considerable investments in the services, and we are committed to delivering the best services for the island communities that we serve. 15:52”
“We remain committed to investing in the delivery of ferry services and new ports and vessels to ensure that services are fit for purpose. Edward Mountain: Can the minister answer the question that I posed earlier about when the Glen Rosa will be available for sailings? Will it be September, as promised, or will it be six months later? When will it be? Jim Fairlie: The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee will be told about that in due course, as is the normal procedure. As the cabinet secretary did earlier, I reiterate what the Deputy First Minister told the Parliament yesterday. Ferguson Marine will understandably be disappointed with the outcome of the small vessel procurement process. However, the yard continues to be supported by the Scottish Government in considering future investment.”
“On the recent fares increase, I absolutely understand that any uplift is unwelcome, but it needs to be set against the previous fares freeze and its having brought fares back to around the level that they would have been at. Nobody wants their fares to go up, but the Government has to take action when the time comes for it. There have been many calls, including in today’s debate, for structural reform. The cabinet secretary has been clear that we will still consider that, and that no option is off the table, but our focus has rightly been on ensuring the delivery of the direct award. However, I assure colleagues that the necessary reform of CalMac to ensure compliance with the Teckal arrangements will also ensure that future reform can be considered once the award is completed later this year.”
“However, the current budget position supports the improvements that we are committed to delivering. We are about to publish the islands connectivity plan strategic paper and the vessels and ports plan. Those will set out the future for ferries and fulfil our commitment in response to parliamentary inquiries that have called for a clear strategic approach and a commitment to investment in vessels and ports. As part of that, we are committed to retaining the RET fares for islanders on the CalMac network—fares that have brought down costs significantly since they were introduced. For example, on the Stornoway to Ullapool route, single fares before the RET in 2008 were £15.30 for a foot passenger and £75 for a car, which would now be £25.75 and £128.70, rather than the £12.30 and £66.75 that they cost with the RET.”
“As part of the new contractual arrangements, we have worked with the ferries community board to develop new key performance indicators to reflect that and to drive improvement where that is needed. CalMac has put in place a new area management structure to better engage with local stakeholders and to reflect their views and needs in decision making. Although that is in its early stages, it is certainly being welcomed by the communities that are involved. That is a core element of CalMac’s enhancement and change plan, which will help to drive improvements in the time leading up to, and throughout, the new contract. The community, workers and other stakeholders will be key drivers in that, and their voices will be heard. We will, of course, have to ensure that the ferries remain affordable to both the user and the taxpayer.”
“Mark Ruskell’s contribution was the only one that included any balance and consideration of where we are right now. He talked about the hope that, when Fiona Hyslop comes out of Government and goes on to whatever she does next, she will be able to look back and think, “Yes—we did that.” Fiona Hyslop has been a member of the Parliament since 1999. She is stepping down. She has been a phenomenal servant to the Parliament, the Government and her constituents. That is worth putting on the record. The cabinet secretary reflected on the current challenges in the network. We understand that the islanders need reliable and consistent services, and that the lived experience behind the statistics needs to be improved.”
“Perhaps that is to do with the catastrophic Brexit and the Liz Truss trade deals that have been done with huge agri- producing countries that are eyeing our lucrative market, with even more deals on the horizon. Perhaps it is because the UK Government is completely abandoning any pretence—”
“That is a just reward for decades of commitment from the sector, and there are now even more opportunities because of the demand. The point about the mantra on red and processed meat in the health guidelines is well made but, as we go forward, we can get right behind the message about eating quality, lower-emission meat and target the huge opportunities that exist in that respect. However, despite all of that, plus the commitments that this Government has made on ensuring direct payments and co-design of policy, there is a lack of confidence. Perhaps we need to look elsewhere in considering why confidence in the sector is not soaring.”
“We continue to support agriculture to the tune of more than £660 million a year, which includes a £40 million fund that is aimed at producing calves for the beef trade while helping to reduce emissions. That is in stark contrast to the situation in England. The opportunities are there for the sector, with the recent QMS analysis demonstrating that the demand for low-emission, top-quality beef is growing, and our Scotch beef sector is perfectly placed to capitalise on that demand. Tim Eagle: Will the minister take an intervention on that point? Jim Fairlie: I do not have time. I am told that there is no confidence in the sector, but that is despite the beef price being stratospheric compared with what it was in the past.”
“People knew that they were on to something that had substance and longevity, which meant that they could invest, and they knew that they were building resilience and a future for the next generation. We need to bear in mind that, before we galvanised ourselves, Scotland was famed for deep-fried Mars bars and deep-fried pizzas—it had that reputation. We turned that round to the extent that we are now revered the world over. We now sell beer to the Germans, sushi to the Japanese, chocolate to the Belgians and—thanks to our rapeseed oil—oil to the middle east. There is so much to celebrate, to be proud of and to strive for, and this Government fully intends to keep that ambition going.”
“When Richard Lochhead came up with the idea of the first national food and drink policy for Scotland, the sector was given a food and drink team and a budget for the first time, which absolutely turbocharged a sector that, up until that point, had been flatlining. The policy turned it into the fastest-growing sector in the Scottish economy. It drove growth, innovation, employment, collaboration and, most of all, ambition. I clearly remember feeling the excitement that I was involved in a vibrant and driven industry that could take on the world and deliver real opportunities for the people of Scotland, and it did that year after year. The growth that we saw was phenomenal.”
“We now have a proliferation of fabulous restaurants, including Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Glenturret Lalique in Perthshire, in my constituency, which also has two stars. At that time, we talked about exports—it was when we were in the EU, and that was easy for us—but there was no single body or a strategy to bring all of that together and turn it into something co-ordinated and focused that could drive the sector to meet its real potential. I give credit where it is due, because the Liberal Democrat minister, Ross Finnie, asked the sector to come up with a plan to maximise its potential. The Grampian food forum had been doing some work in the same vein. Ideas were swirling around and there were efforts to look at the potential, but none of it had come to fruition at that point.”
“I will start in 2007, when a young whippersnapper of a minister by the name of Richard Lochhead came up with the seemingly odd idea of focusing the Government’s attention on what he thought was an overlooked opportunity for Scotland as a whole. At the time, there were organisations such as the Grampian food forum and brilliant businesses such as Walker’s Shortbread, which sold products globally before any other food brand was doing that and then helped others to do the same. There were farmers who sold at farmers markets and fishers who were catching fish. However, we as a country failed to recognise that we had the world’s best shellfish, which was gracing the tables of some of the best restaurants in Europe and around the world.”
“Given the importance to Scotland of exports and of the American market, can the minister tell us whether, when he met Eric Trump, the First Minister raised the issue of tariffs or exports with Mr Trump? Jim Fairlie: The member is asking the wrong person, because I am not the First Minister and I was not in the meeting. I refuse to be dragged down by the pessimism that has characterised the Labour and Tory speeches. Instead, I will celebrate the fabulous businesses and people who are at the heart of our amazing food and drink sector. In doing so, I will take a wee daunder down the road to look at the positive things that we have done in that sector.”
“The value of such exports had never previously exceeded £100 million. Our dairy sector has seen an increase of more than 140 per cent in the sale of Scottish cheese. The list of products that are exported from Scotland could go on and on. I refuse to be dragged down by the pessimism that has characterised the speeches of Labour and Tory members, and I want to celebrate the fabulous businesses and people at the very heart of our amazing food and drink sector. To do that, I will take a wee wander down the road to reflect on why our industry has been so successful. I will also take a positive look at where we want to go, despite the worst efforts of others. Jamie Halcro Johnston: We all recognise the importance of exports to Scotland.”
“The Labour and Tory parties simply cannot bring themselves to celebrate and embrace that Scottish success story, which, for more than two decades, has partnered the Scottish Government and become the absolute driver of so much that is to be celebrated about Scotland. I will make a couple of points about what has been said. Rhoda Grant and Daniel Johnson said that Scotland has not done nearly enough in relation to exports. A 2023 assessment of the value of the red meat sector estimated that it contributes £2.8 billion annually. That figure, which has gone up by more than 16 per cent since 2016, includes more than £1.27 billion of on-farm outputs and £885 million from meat processing. Meanwhile, the QMS annual export survey found that the total value of Scotland’s red meat offal sold outside the UK has reached £137 million.”
“I am proud of the role that the sector plays in the architecture of the landscape that draws the world to Scotland and to be associated with the incredible, talented, hard- working, innovative and creative folk who make the Scottish food and drinks scene as diverse, exciting, colourful and successful as it has been and will continue to be. This Government is ambitious for Scotland and for our iconic food and drink sector. Unlike the Labour and Conservative parties, we believe in a strong, confident and independent Scotland, and our food and drink sector is absolutely central to that.”
“First, I add my contribution in the light of the fact that Mairi Gougeon is leaving her post. Having worked with and beside her for more than a year, I can say that she has been an absolutely phenomenal cabinet secretary and will be greatly missed by the Scottish Government. I also associate myself with Douglas Ross’s speech, because he eloquently clarified the fact that the Labour Party simply has things confused. I congratulate him on eloquently making that point. I am delighted to close today’s debate on behalf of the Scottish Government, because the subject of it is incredibly close to my heart and epitomises my lifelong passion for and dedication to an industry that I am hugely proud of. I am proud that I have been a part of it, and I am proud of the way that it enhances the phenomenal reputation that our country enjoys.”
“We know that the spatial squeeze is having a massive impact on fishing, as are the rapid expansion of offshore wind projects, marine conservation measures and restrictive regulations. We know that because, when the SNP was in collaboration with the Greens under the Bute house agreement, it tried to shut off 50 per cent of Scottish seas, and it made a rapid U-turn. The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has warned that the industry risks being “crushed”— that is the word that it used—by the sheer scale of planned developments in Scottish waters. Instead of working with the industry to strike a fair balance, the SNP seems intent on making life even harder for our fishermen. Scotland’s food and drink sector is the backbone of our economy, and both Labour and the SNP must rethink their horrendous and damaging policies. 15:32”
“I am really concerned about high-quality agricultural land being used for renewables, such as solar farms, to meet the net zero targets. That is absolutely not the way to go, because the overproliferation is having an impact. At the weekend, I met a broccoli grower, who told me that he would make more money putting grade 1 land over to solar panels. Admittedly that is in England, but the same thing is happening in the Borders, where there is an overproliferation of applications. We do not need that: we can supply energy demands without using all the class 1, 2 and 3 land in Scotland. The same applies to fishermen in relation to the spatial squeeze. Earlier, I spoke to Elspeth Macdonald from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.”
“The reason they have declined is that it is so hard to farm these days, even without all the new policies that Labour is bringing in, from the national insurance contributions to the family farm tax. My father said that it was a hard summer for farmers last year. They finished the silage that they produced, because they needed to feed the cows for longer. They are now feeding them hard feed, but the price of hard feed has increased dramatically, so profitability is being driven out of agriculture. What are we without farmers? We are nothing. I was very surprised by some of the things that the Green member Ariane Burgess said. We are talking about key components not only of our rural economy but of our economy as a whole. The things that farmers produce are essential, because people need to eat, and farmers are the suppliers.”